Senior Researcher in Data-driven Mathematical Modelling for the Quantitative Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Chemicals and Technologies DTU Sustain

The Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering (DTU Sustain) at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) offers a full-time Senior Researcher position in data-driven mathematical modelling for the quantitative environmental sustainability assessment of chemicals and technologies. A senior researcher position in Denmark is equivalent to an Associate Professor with a stronger focus on project acquisition and a weaker focus on teaching activities although contributions to teaching activities may be required.

The position aims to develop new approaches methods digital infrastructures databases and tools to support mathematical modelling in environmental and sustainability science fields. A strong emphasis on environmental life cycle impacts of chemicals is attached to the position although wider applications to support quantitative sustainability assessments within other technological domains are also to be covered by the position.

The position is anchored at the Section for Quantitative Sustainability Assessment (QSA) at DTU QSA you will become part of a dynamic and team-based research environment with around 50 international staff members postdocs and PhD students dedicated to the development and application of methods to quantify environmental sustainability.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You will play a central role in developing cross-cutting research activities in environmental sustainability assessment. You will be integrated into the DTU USEtox Centre which is part of the QSA section and supports the development and application of methods and tools for chemical impact assessment particularly through the continuous advancement of the USEtox consensus model. Collaboration with researchers affiliated with the DTU Centre for Absolute Sustainability co-hosted within QSA is also anticipated.

Sustainability is central to DTUs strategy with the objective of advancing the sustainable technology position focuses on quantitative sustainability assessment to support that objective fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration (e.g. data sciences and environmental sciences) to develop decision-support models and tools. A key application area is chemicals which pose significant challenges due to their vast diversity and large number (300000).

We expect you to lead and undertake the following research tasks:

• Contribute to advances in mathematical modelling in environmental sciences to bring more accuracy when assessing the impact pathways of chemical releases and other substances damaging human health and biodiversity.
• Identify and tackle key research questions pertaining to the development of low-uncertainty models and data-driven tools and digital infrastructures for environmental sustainability assessments in various technology domains

Furthermore the selected candidate will be expected to:

• Conduct excellent research and develop the field in one or more of the above-mentioned research areas
• Acquire national or international funding to support research in the scientific area scoped by the position and in line with your research vision
• Disseminate research in scientific publications and at international conferences
• Take an active part in and lead the management of projects in which you will be involved
• Participate in teaching activities when relevant including the co-supervision of MSc and PhD student projects
• Have leadership skills and be a team player in the QSA research group and contribute to its further development

Qualifications:

• Have strong expertise in several of the following fields: data sciences systems sciences environmental and chemical engineering environmental modelling environmental life cycle assessment chemical impact assessment modelling thermodynamics
• Show ability to develop research-based digital infrastructures including webtool models and databases with transparent interfaces
• Have experience in data mining data analytics and handling large datasets
• Have extensive experience with AI
• Have strong programming skills to support mathematical modelling in environmental sciences
• Have experience with the USEtox model
• Be driven by a strong motivation for research and have excellent networking and communication skills in English.

You must contribute to teaching at the Department. DTU employs two working languages: Danish and English. You are expected to be fluent in at least one of these languages and in time are expected to master both.

As a formal qualification you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) as well as academic qualifications equivalent to those obtained by holding a position as a researcher or postdoc. To be appointed as a senior researcher you must have completed a didactic/pedagogic education. If you do not have the necessary education then it is possible to complete this requirement within a period of two years of appointment.

You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:

• Research experience
• Experience and quality of teaching
• Research vision and potential
• International impact and experience
• Societal impact
• Innovativeness including commercialization and collaboration with industry
• Leadership collaboration and interdisciplinary skills
• Communication skills

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The position is to be filled as soon as possible (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position and is based at DTU Lyngby campus just north of Copenhagen.

You can read more about career paths at DTUhere.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Alexis Laurent (DTU Sustain) and Prof Olivier Jolliet (DTU Sustain).

You can read more about the DTU Sustain department at you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU atDTU Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Please submit your online application no later than 6 May 2026 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply please open the link Apply now fill out the online application form and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• Vision for teaching and research
• CV including employment history list of publications indicating scientific highlights H-index and ORCID (see portfolioincluding documentation of teaching experience
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD)
• Research statement including research vision and strategy and a brief description of 3-5 most relevant scientific achievements and environmental tools and/or models developed
• 2 support letters from professional referees (e.g. senior collaborators)

You can learn more about the recruitment processhere.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age gender disability race religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology which is subject to special rules for security and export control open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Sustain - Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering - is one of the largest university departments specializing in environmental and resource engineering in Europe. The department conducts research development & scientific advice and provides educational programs and service to society. We are working to develop new environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies methods and solutions and to disseminate this knowledge to society and future generations of engineers. The Department has approximately 300 staff from more than 30 nationalities.

DTU For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europes leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europes global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13800 students 1600 PhD students and 6500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive stimulating and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.